The Canadian Network On Cuba welcomes the historic July 1st announcement by the governments of Cuba and the United States that both countries will reopen embassies and restore full diplomatic relations on July 20th. Washington had unilaterally severed diplomatic relations between the countries in 1961. The restoration of full diplomatic relations represents the resounding failure of Washington’s policy to isolate and destroy the Cuban Revolution. Indeed, it was Washington that has become isolated in world opinion. This isolation is epitomized by the annual United Nations massive rejection of the U.S. economic blockade of Cuba, and by the return of Cuba at the overwhelmingly insistence of the nations of the Americas to the 2015 Summit of the Americas.

There should be no doubt that the re-establishment of full diplomatic relations is a resounding vindication of Cuba’s immense struggle to control its destiny, achieve authentic self-determination and national development! It is a vindication of the just, principled and dignified foreign policy and revolutionary path that the Cuban people embarked on since the triumph of the Cuban Revolution on January 1st, 1959! The Cuban people have not renounced or abandoned any of their revolutionary principles! This is not only a victory for Cuba but also a victory for all those who struggle to defend the inalienable and inviolable right of all peoples to self-determination and genuine independence!

Nevertheless, while we welcome the July 1st announcement, let us be clear: the restoration of full diplomatic relations does not equal the normalization of relations. Obama’s new policy does not mean that Washington has accepted the January 1st, 1959 verdict of the Cuban people. The struggle must continue to end the criminal and immoral economic blockade, Washington’s orchestrated ongoing campaign of subversion and to return the illegally occupied Guantanamo Naval Base to Cuba.

The necessity to continue this struggle is poignantly captured by the recent June 27th victory of Cuba solidarity activists, who successfully defied the blockade by crossing the border between the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Quebec and the U.S. states of Maine and Washington to deliver material aid to the Pastors for Peace Friendshipment Caravan. Since 1992, this annual caravan has been challenging the U.S. economic blockade against the island-nation.

The struggle is not finished. The CNC, therefore, calls on the Canadian people to join in the efforts of the Canada-Cuba solidarity movement to end the criminal U.S. economic blockade, the occupation of Guantanamo Naval Base and the ongoing campaign to destabilize Cuba.

For information, contact: Isaac SaneyCNC National SpokespersonTel.: 902-449-4967Email:
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